World's 'most biologically rich' sea area gets NZ govt protection

An area described as the world's most biologically rich ocean environment is to come under a series of New Zealand government protection orders that will restrict fishing and prohibit mineral exploration, the country's Conservation Minister Nick Smith said Wednesday.

The new marine protected areas of Kaikoura, at the top the South Island, would conserve whales, dolphins, seals, albatrosses, rock lobster, shellfish and finfish and other marine life, Smith said in a statement.

"Kaikoura has the most biologically rich ocean environment in the world at over 500 meters depth with its deep canyons so close to shore. This extraordinary marine environment needs the recognition and protection of these new reserves, sanctuaries and the tighter fishing limits that are being signed into effect tomorrow," Smith said.

The new protections would include a whale sanctuary covering 4, 696 square kilometers, providing protection for the sperm, humpback, southern right, blue, killer and other whales, and a fur seal sanctuary.

It would also include the Hikurangi Marine Reserve, covering 10, 416 hectares and extending 23.4 km offshore.

"No mining, fishing or harvesting of any kind is allowed in this fully protected area covering the deep canyons," Smith said.